Steering - lower column bush

[Frank Toogood]

Bought a Momo removable steering wheel and quick release column.

 

When taking out the old column, the lower column bush came out too!

 

Having read the assembly guide, it says that the lower one was original fitted by the factory.

 

I'll have to buy some new ones (top and bottom), but can anyone give me some advice on how to put the lower one in as I can't put it in from the bottom end as there's not enough room.

 

Any advice gratefully received.

 

Cheers

[V7 SLR]

I've just done this. It *does* go in from the bottom using a rubber mallet and a squirt of rubber/nylon lube. There is no technique other than ensuring the locating knobs of rubber on each side are in the right orientation, then give it a squirt and hit it in.

[Frank Toogood]

I take it that you also had to undo and slide down the lower steering wheel column so that you had access? Also, how difficult was it to do that with cheese wedge and brake fluid bottle in the way?

[V7 SLR]

Yes, you need to get the steering column out of the way.

 

I left the cheese and brake cyl in place. I may have used a piece of wood against the bush before hitting *that* with the rubber mallet (can't remember as I did 100 other things that day). It's awkward but you have no choice so you just manage... somehow.

[Nick Green]

It is also possible to put the lower bush in from the top of the tube. Line up the lugs, rubber lube, get it in and drift it down the steering column tube using a suitable socket and extension bar. (Probably helps that the extension bar in my socket set has a screwdriver-like handle at the top, giving more surface area to whack. The socket wrench fits in the top of the handle...)

 

Removing the lower column is not a big deal. Undo a bolt where it meets the rack and unhitch it. The hole in the wedge is large, so there is enough room to manipulate everything.

[Frank Toogood]

Thanks for the advice - I think I'll try it from the top downwards, sounds easier - I'll give it a go tomorrow.

Cheers

[Jason Plato]

I too slid mine on from above with a dollop of lube

 

just be carefull that the drift you are going to use wont damage the plastic sleeve inside the bush .

[Frank Toogood]

Just bought some new brushes - the plastic sleeve is now welded to the inside of the metal sleeve just like the outer! So, there shouldn't be any problems (famous last words...) I'll report back.

Thanks for all the advice.

[Frank Toogood]

Thanks to all for the help and advice - mission accomplished without any hassles. Results of test drive = 😬